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                                  CHOW CHOWS

Editor

     * Steven M. Miller, Updated February 28, 1994 [[e-mail]]

   with information from the Chow Chow Club Inc. ("Hello I am the Chow
   Chow")
     _________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents

     * History
     * Description
     * Training
     * Medical Problems
     * Care
     * Confinement
     * Standard
     * Resources
          + Books
          + Magazines
          + Videos
          + Organizations


     _________________________________________________________________

History

   The Chow Chow, often simply called the Chow, is one of the oldest
   breeds. His exact history is lost in the China of antiquity. Some
   historians record that the Tarter invaded China in a thousand years
   before Christ and brought back to the West some middle-sized dogs that
   looked like "lions" with blue-black tongues. The Chow as it is known
   today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese
   Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 22 A.D.); other artifacts indicate that he
   was even a much older breed and that he may have come originally from
   the Arctic Circle, migrating to Mongolia, Siberia and China. Some
   scholars claim that the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed,
   the Norwegian Elkhound, the Pomeranian and the Keeshond. In more
   recent times, that is, in the Taeyung Dynasty (7th Century A.D.), it
   is reported that one Chinese emperor kept something like 2,500 of
   these "Chow Dogs" as hunting and sporting animals to accompany his ten
   thousand hunters! Admired by emperors as well as by Western royalty,
   used by Chinese peasants for food and clothing, and adopted as a
   "favorite" of the movie star set in Hollywood in the 1920's, the Chow
   Chow has had a dramatic history.

Description

   The Chow Chow is a highly intelligent dog and values his independence.
   He can be hugged and played with. He can even be corrected -- often by
   a tone of voice, but he should never be allowed to dominate the
   household. He is usually amenable to being touched by strangers if he
   is introduced by one of his owners and approached properly. Quiet,
   refined, he should not be teased or treated as a lap dog. His dignity
   and aloofness must never be confused with a fierce or intractable
   temperament. He minds his own business and does not generally initiate
   trouble. Bad-tempered Chows are not representative of the breed, but
   are usually the result of indiscriminate breeding and a woeful lack of
   "socialization". The Chow's appearance and personality suggest the
   nobility of a lion, the drollness of a panda, the appeal of a
   teddy-bear, the grace and independence of a cat, and the loyalty and
   devotion of the dog. The Chow has a little of all these qualities in
   his appearance and in his behavior. It is, however, his particular
   intelligence and devotion, his independence and dignity which make him
   unique.

   It is often said by Chow owners who have had years of experience with
   Chows, as well as with other breeds, that the Chow is perhaps the
   cleanest dog of all. Most puppies are easily housebroken by the time
   they are eight weeks. The Chow has very little body odor if he is
   brushed often, and he does not seem to be readily accessible to every
   passing bug, vermin, or virus. He is a good eater. and he does not
   require a great deal of exercise so that he may live happily in an
   apartment.

   Because some Chows are independent and because some Chows may wish to
   attach themselves to one person or to one immediate family, the Chow
   must be "socialized" so that he is completely amenable to being
   handled by strangers. Socialization is the process by which the Chow
   puppy is taught to meet and like human beings, other dogs, different
   environments from his own home, and other foreign situations, with
   steadiness, calm, and even affability.

Training

   Most Chows are intelligent so they may be lead broken and trained
   easily although at first they may be stubborn. Some Chows are
   especially willful and most are sensitive enough so that correction
   can come from the tone of your voice and not from physical means. Some
   Chows have been trained in obedience work and quite a few have earned
   the C.D. (Companion Dog) title, a few less the C.D.X. (Companion Dog
   Excellent), and only one or two have earned the U.D. (Utility Dog)
   degree. One Chow has won a tracking degree. Chows can be used as
   hunting companions, splendid show dogs and wonderful pets for the
   family. Their versatility proves their value as an all-round dog. Like
   any other canine, the Chow can become a playmate for tots and
   youngsters provided that they do not mistreat him and provided the
   Chow has been raised with young children. Many years of experience
   have taught the Chow breeder that "socialization" is the only way to
   bring up any Chow. The socialized Chow is a more stable, contented dog
   than if he had been left on his own. A Chow which is not socialized
   and trained is a constant concern to his owner. When the owner has
   socialized and trained his Chow properly, both are happier.

Medical Problems

  ANESTHESIA

   Generally, Chows are "poor risks" when anesthesia is involved, and
   Chows should be treated by the veterinarian as he would treat a
   Bulldog or any extremely short-muzzled dog.

  ENTROPION

   If your Chow tears more than you feel is normal, he may have
   "entropion," a turning-in of the eyelashes. If your Chow tears
   excessively, consult your veterinarian for advice.

  HEAT PROSTRATION

   Another problem with the Chow is that he is subject to heat
   prostration if left in a hot, closed-in area or in the sun. He is
   particularly bothered by extremely high humidity, especially if the
   temperature climbs above eighty degrees.

Care

   The Chow needs to be brushed at least twice weekly or more if
   possible. Grooming is essential to keep the long, thick coat in peak,
   clean condition. Chows have a dense undercoat that supports the
   coarser outer coat and gives it its fluffy appearance. Many adult
   Chows have a ruff almost like that of a lion that must be handled with
   care because it can be stripped away by too much grooming. The puppy
   undercoat, however should be brushed out when it starts to loosen so
   that the adult coat may come in properly. Always brush out the dead
   coat and be careful that the remaining coat does not mat. Both a rake
   brush and a pin brush (both kinds are available at any pet store and
   even at most supermarkets) are needed to keep the coat in good, clean
   condition. The rake is useful in the removal of the fluffy undercoat
   and the pin brush to groom the longer, off-standing guard hairs which
   are of coarser quality. Nails should be trimmed regularly to a
   comfortable length.

Confinement

   Chows should be kept in a fenced-in area or inside the house in a room
   where they have a good deal of freedom. Chows should not be put on a
   chain for they resent the feeling of being "trapped". Let your Chow
   have as much freedom as you have to offer within the limits of his
   safety and welfare.

Standard

   Official AKC Breed Standard of the Chow Chow [complete] 11-11-86.

  CHARACTERISTICS

   An ancient breed of northern Chinese origin, this all-purpose dog of
   China was used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the
   home. While primarily a companion today, his working origin must
   always be remembered when assessing true Chow type.

  GENERAL APPEARANCE

   A powerful, sturdy, squarely built, upstanding dog of Arctic type,
   medium in size with strong muscular development and heavy bone. The
   body is compact, short coupled, broad and deep, the tail set high and
   carried closely to the back, the whole supported by four straight,
   strong, sound legs. Viewed from the side, the hind legs have little
   apparent angulation and the hock joint and metatarsals are directly
   beneath the hip joint. It is this structure which produces the
   characteristic short, stilted gait unique to the breed. The large head
   with broad, flat skull and short, broad and deep muzzle is proudly
   carried and accentuated by a ruff. Elegance and substance must be
   combined into a well balanced whole, never so massive as to outweigh
   his ability to be active, alert and agile. Clothed in a smooth or an
   off standing rough double coat, the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty,
   dignity and naturalness, unique in his blue-black tongue, scowling
   expression and stilted gait.

  HEAD

   Skull and Stop - proudly carried, large in proportion to the size of
   the dog but never so exaggerated as to make the dog seem top heavy or
   to result in a low carriage. The top skull is broad and flat from side
   to side and front to back. Coat and loose skin cannot substitute for
   the correct bone structure. Viewed in profile, the top lines of the
   muzzle and skull are approximately parallel, joined by a moderate
   stop. The padding of the brows may make the stop appear steeper than
   it is. Muzzle - the muzzle is short in comparison to the length of the
   top skull but never less than one-third of the head length. The muzzle
   is broad and well filled out under the eyes, its width and depth are
   equal and both dimensions should appear to be the same from its base
   to its tip. This square appearance is achieved by correct bone
   structure plus padding of the muzzle and full cushioned lips. The
   muzzle should never be so padded or cushioned as to make it appear
   other than square in shape. The upper lips completely cover the lower
   lips when the mouth is closed but should not be pendulous. Nose -
   large. broad and black in color with well opened nostrils.
   Disqualifying Fault - nose spotted or distinctly other color than
   black, except in blue Chows which may have a solid blue or slate
   noses. Mouth and Tongue - edges of the lips black, tissues of the
   mouth mostly black, gums preferably black. A solid black mouth is
   ideal. The top surface and edges of the tongue a solid blue-black, the
   darker the better. Disqualifying Fault the top surface or edges of the
   tongue red or pink or with one or more spots of red or pink. Teeth -
   strong and even with a scissors bite. Eyes - dark brown, deep set and
   placed wide apart and obliquely, of moderate size, almond in shape.
   The correct placement and shape should create an Oriental appearance.
   The eye rims black with lids which neither turn in nor droop and the
   pupils of the eyes clearly visible. Serious Faults entropion or
   ectropion, or pupils wholly or partially obscured by loose skin. Ears
   - small, moderately thick, triangular in shape with a slight rounding
   at the tip, carried stiffly erect but with a slight forward tilt.
   Placed wide apart with the inner corner on top of the skull. An ear
   which flops as the dog moves is very undesirable. Disqualifying Fault
   - drop ear or ears. A drop ear is one which breaks at any point from
   its base to its tip or which is not carried stiffly erect but lies
   parallel to the top of the skull. Expression - essentially scowling,
   dignified, lordly, discerning, sober and snobbish, one of
   independence. The scowl is achieved by a marked brow with a padded
   button of skin just above the inner, upper corner of each eye; by
   sufficient play of skin to form frowning brows and a distinct furrow
   between the eyes beginning at the base of the muzzle and extending up
   the forehead; by the correct eye shape and placement and by the
   correct ear shape, carriage and placement. Excessive loose skin is not
   desirable. Wrinkles on the muzzle do not contribute to expression and
   are not required.

  NECK AND BODY

   Neck - strong, full, well muscled, nicely arched and of sufficient
   length to carry the head proudly above the topline when standing at
   attention. Body - short, compact, close coupled, strongly muscled,
   broad, deep and well let down in the flank. Topline - straight, strong
   and level from the withers to the root of the tail. Chest - broad,
   deep and muscular, never narrow or slab-sided . The ribs close
   together and well sprung, not barrel. The spring of the front ribs is
   somewhat narrowed at their lower ends to permit the shoulder and upper
   arm to fit smoothly against the chest wall. The floor of the chest is
   broad and deep extending down to the tips of the elbows. The point of
   sternum slightly in front of the shoulder points. Serious Faults -
   labored or abdominal breathing (not to include normal panting), narrow
   or slab-sided chest. Loin - well muscled, strong, short, broad and
   deep. Croup - short and broad with powerful rump and thigh muscles
   giving a level croup. The body, back, coupling and croup must all be
   short to give the required square build. Tail - well feathered, set
   high and carried closely to the back at all times, following the line
   of the spine at the start.

  FOREQUARTERS

   Shoulders - strong, well muscled the tips of the shoulder blades
   moderately close together; the spine of the shoulder forms and angle
   of approximately 55 degrees with the horizontal and forms and angle
   with the upper arm of approximately 110 degrees resulting in less
   reach of the forelegs. Length of upper arm never less than length of
   shoulder blade. Elbow joints set well back alongside the chest wall,
   elbows turning neither in nor out. Forelegs - perfectly straight from
   elbow to foot with heavy hone which must be in proportion to the rest
   of the dog. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are parallel and
   widely spaced commensurate with the broad chest. Pasterns - short and
   upright. Wrists shall not knuckle over. Feet - round, compact,
   cat-like, standing well up on the thick toe pads. The dewclaws may be
   removed.

  HINDQUARTERS

   The rear assembly broad, powerful, and well muscled in the hips and
   thighs, heavy in bone with rear and front bone approximately equal.
   Viewed from the rear, the legs are straight, parallel and widely
   spaced commensurate with the broad pelvis. Stifle Joint - shows little
   angulation, is well knit and stable, points straight forward and the
   bones of the joint should be clean and sharp. Hock Joint - well let
   down and appears almost straight. The hock joint must be strong, well
   knit and firm, never bowing or breaking forward or to either side. The
   hock joint and metatarsals lie in a straight line below the hip joint.
   Serious Faults - unsound stifle or hock joints. Metatarsals - short
   and perpendicular to the ground. Feet - same as front.

  COAT

   There are two types of coat; rough and smooth. Both are double coated.
   Rough - in the rough coat, the outer coat is abundant, dense, straight
   and off standing, rather coarse in texture; the undercoat soft, thick
   and woolly. Puppy coat soft, thick and woolly overall. The coat forms
   a profuse ruff around the head and neck, framing the head. The coat
   and ruff generally longer in dogs than in bitches. The coat length
   varies markedly on different Chows and thickness, texture and
   condition should be given greater emphasis than length. Obvious
   trimming or shaping is undesirable. Trimming of the whiskers, feet and
   metatarsals optional. Smooth - the smooth coated Chow is judged by the
   same standard as the rough coated Chow except that references to the
   quantity and distribution of the outer coat are not applicable to the
   smooth coated Chow, which has a hard, dense, smooth outer coat with a
   definite undercoat. There should be no obvious ruff or feathering on
   the legs or tail.

  COLOR

   Clear colored, solid or solid with lighter shadings in the ruff, tail
   and featherings. There are five colors in the Chow: red (light golden
   to deep mahogany), black, blue, cinnamon (light fawn to deep cinnamon)
   and cream. Acceptable colors to be judged on an equal basis.

  GAIT

   Proper movement is the crucial test of proper conformation and
   soundness. It must be sound, straight moving, agile, brief, quick and
   powerful, never lumbering. The rear gait short and stilted because of
   the straighter rear assembly. It is from the side that the unique
   stilted action is most easily assessed. The rear leg moves up and
   forward from the hip in a straight, stilted pendulum-like line with a
   slight bounce in the rump, the legs extend neither far forward nor far
   backward. The hind foot has a strong thrust which transfers power to
   the body in an almost straight line due to the minimal rear leg
   angulation. To transmit this power efficiently to the front assembly.
   the coupling must be short and there should be no roll through the
   midsection. Viewed from the rear, the line of bone from hip joint to
   pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the speed increases the
   hindlegs incline slightly inward. The stifle joints must point in the
   line of travel, not outward resulting in a bowlegged appearance nor
   hitching in under the dog. Viewed from the front, the line of bone
   from shoulder joint to pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the
   speed increased, the forelegs do not move in exact parallel planes,
   rather, incline slightly inward. The front legs must not swing out in
   semicircles nor mince or show any evidence of hackney action. The
   front and rear assemblies must be in dynamic equilibrium. Somewhat
   lacking in speed, the Chow has excellent endurance because the sound,
   straight rear leg provides direct, usable power efficiently.

  SIZE AND PROPORTIONS

   Size - the average height of adult specimens is 17 to 20 inches at the
   withers but in every case consideration of overall proportions and
   type should take precedence over size. Proportions - square in profile
   and close coupled. Distance from forechest to point of buttocks equals
   height at the highest points of the withers. Serious Fault- -- profile
   other than square. Distance from tip of elbow to ground is half the
   height at the withers. Floor of the chest level with tips of elbows.
   Width viewed from the front and rear is the same and must be broad. It
   is these proportions that are essential to true Chow type. In judging
   puppies, no allowance should be made for their failure to conform to
   these proportions.

  TEMPERAMENT

   Keen intelligence, an independent spirit and innate dignity give the
   Chow an aura of aloofness. It is a Chow's nature to be reserved and
   discerning with strangers. Displays of aggression or timidity are
   unacceptable. Because of its deep set eyes the Chow has limited
   peripheral vision and is best approached within the scope of that
   vision.

  SUMMARY

   Faults shall be penalized in proportion to their deviation from the
   standard. In judging the Chow, the overall picture is of primary
   consideration. Exaggeration of any characteristic at the expense of
   balance or soundness shall be severely penalized. Equally
   objectionable are snipey, fine boned specimens and overdone,
   ponderous, cloddy specimens. In comparing specimens of different sex,
   due allowance must be made in favor of the bitches who may not have as
   much head or substance as do the males. There is an impression of
   femininity in bitches as compared to an impression of masculinity in
   dogs. Type should include general appearance, temperament, the harmony
   of all parts, and soundness especially as seen when the dog is in
   motion. There should be proper emphasis on movement which is the final
   test of the Chow's conformation, balance and soundness.

  DISQUALIFICATIONS

   Nose spotted or distinctly other color than black except in blue Chows
   which may have solid blue or slate noses. The top surface or edges of
   the tongue red or pink or with one or more spots of red or pink. Drop
   ear or ears. A drop ear is one which breaks at any point from its base
   to its tip or which is not carried stiffly erect but lies parallel to
   the top of the skull.

Resources

  BOOKS
     * The Book of the Chow Chow by Dr. Samuel Draper & Joan Brearly
     * The Canadian Chow Sourcebook by Jennifer Bunting
     * The Chow Chow by Anna Katherine Nicholas
     * The Complete Chow Chow by Kip Kopatch
     * The World of the Chow Chow by Dr. Samuel Draper & Joan Brearly

  MAGAZINES

   Chow Life
   The official publication of the Chow Chow Club, Inc.
   Carol Patterson,
   P.O. Box 1197
   Chester, CA 96020
   [phone]
   $30.00 year, $50.00 outside USA

   The Chow Chow Annual
   Hofflin Publishing Ltd
   4401 Zephry Street
   Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-3299
   [phone] or [phone] for orders only
   $40.00, add $5 outside USA

  VIDEOS

   The Chow Chow
   The American Kennel Club
   Video interpretation of the Chow Chow standard with examples of
   quality Chows. $36.00

   How To Raise A Happy, Healthy Chow
   Robert Scheer
   2535 Panorama Dr. North
   Vancouver, BC, Canada V7G lV4
   $49.95

  ORGANIZATIONS

   The Chow Chow Club, Inc.
   National organization of Chow fanciers. For breed information, breeder
   referrals & regional Chow clubs, write to:
   Irene Cartabio, Corresponding secretary
   3580 Plover Place
   Seaford, NY 11783
   [phone]

   Society For The Preservation of the Smooth Chow Chow
   for information about smooth Chow Chows, write to:
   Larry Pilgrim
   Route 3, Box 1405
   Byron, GA 31008
   [phone]

   Chow Chow Welfare
   Vicki Rodenberg
   9828 E. County A
   Janesville, WI 53546
   [phone]
     _________________________________________________________________

    Chow Chow FAQ
    Steven Miller, [e-mail]